As outdoor pickleball courts continue to grow in popularity across the country, so does the need for lighting systems that can perform reliably in all types of weather. Quality outdoor lighting systems must be reliable and durable to handle harsh conditions.
This article will provide you with tips and advice for selecting lighting systems built to withstand the elements. It will focus on the materials, IP ratings, and corrosion-resistant features that make them ideal for long-term use on sports courts.
What is weather-resistant lighting, and why is it essential for outdoor pickleball courts?
Weather-resistant lighting is built to withstand rain, snow, wind, and UV exposure, protecting electrical components and ensuring reliable court illumination year-round.
Areas that experience extreme weather are especially harsh on light fixtures. These conditions will cause a quicker deterioration of standard fixtures. Examples include:
- Coastal regions that have higher concentrations of salt in the air.
- Areas that experience extreme heat or cold.
- High wind areas in coastal, mountainous, or high plains regions.
How does harsh weather affect standard outdoor lighting fixtures?
Moisture, corrosion, and temperature shifts can cause early fixture failure, flickering lights, or safety hazards when non-weatherproof systems are used on outdoor courts. Here are some important details to consider:
- Humidity, Rain, and Snow: Moisture can penetrate wiring and power connectors. This can cause short circuits and corrosion.
- Cold Weather: LED lights perform well in cold temperatures compared to other lighting systems. However, they can be affected by substandard quality electronics and wiring.
- UV Radiation: Sustained exposure to intense UV rays can speed up the aging or cracking of certain metals and plastics.
- Extreme Temperatures: Considerable temperature fluctuations can cause materials to contract or expand. This leads to warping, cracks, or other deformations.
- Wind: High winds can topple lights and loosen wiring.
What key features make a lighting system weather-resistant?
A combination of features makes a lighting system weather-resistant. These include:
Material Durability: Opt for non-corrosive materials, like aluminum, or high-quality plastics. These materials are resistant to rust and to fading due to UV exposure, which are common causes of outdoor lighting failure.
IP Ratings: An Ingress Protection (IP) rating specifies how well a fixture withstands dust and water. Ingress is defined as “the act of entering”. In this case, the act of entering a fixture or housing.
The IP code is composed of two numbers:
- The first number refers to protection against dust and is rated on a scale from 0 (no protection) to 6 (no ingress of dust).
- The second number refers to protection against liquids and is rated on a scale from 0 (no protection) to 9 (high-pressure hot water from different angles).
- For example, an IP 65-rated fixture will not allow dust to enter, and it is protected against low-pressure jets of water.
Another environmental rating used for outdoor light fixtures is UL wet-rated, but this designation only refers to water resistance, not dust resistance.
Sealing and Waterproofing: Effective sealing of enclosures is crucial to protect electrical connections and fixtures. Heat shrink tubing, waterproof connectors, or silicone sealant can be used to prevent moisture from degrading electrical components.
UV Resistance: UV-resistant materials or coatings protect fixtures from the effects of UV rays from sunlight. They preserve the appearance and structural integrity of a fixture over time.
Temperature Protection: Insulated light fixtures can withstand extreme temperatures, ensuring functional lighting in bad conditions. Quality outdoor fixtures can effectively operate in a range of -4°F to 140°F.
What are the benefits of using LED lighting systems for all-weather pickleball courts?
LED lighting systems are the best option for outdoor court lighting, and they have many benefits:
- They provide energy efficiency, low maintenance, and reliable performance, even in harsh climates, making them perfect for long-term outdoor use.
- They are more energy efficient than any other type of lighting system. This results in a major reduction in energy costs.
- They typically have a lifespan of 50,000+ hours, which reduces time and money spent on maintenance costs.
- They do not degrade in light quality at the same rate as other lights and are more resistant to extreme weather.
Additionally, investing in durable, weatherproof LED light fixtures minimizes replacement costs, reduces downtime, and eliminates frequent service calls due to weather-related damage.
How can LightMart.com help you choose the right weather-resistant pickleball court lighting?
Here at LightMart, we specialize in outdoor LED lighting for sports courts. We can help you determine the optimal pickleball court lighting layout and recommend the best lighting solutions. Not only do we carry weather-resistant flood light fixtures, but we also carry corrosion-resistant light poles for pickleball courts.
Our LED pickleball court lighting systems include everything you need for your courts without having to buy everything separately, and we have options for two-pole or four-pole configurations. Additionally, the light fixtures that are included in our lighting systems have adjustable wattage and color temperature options so you can fine-tune them to meet your sports lighting requirements.
Contact us today!
David DeWald is the E-Commerce Marketing Specialist at LightMart. He has been working in the industrial and commercial lighting industry since 2013 and is based in the greater Chicago area. David specializes in digital product management, web content writing, and product marketing. He regularly publishes lighting industry-related articles on the LightMart blog. You can visit his LinkedIn profile here.